1862 December 18 Richmond, Va.

[The following letter is written by a Dr. G. C. Stiles, apparently to William H. Perry’s father.]
                                       Rich – Dec. 18th 62
My Dear Friend,
                         It gives me pleasure
to inform you that your son is safe. The
First Howitzers were posted in the very center
of the army – the company occupying the ex-
treme right of the left wing - & the highest nole
on in the range of hills on which our troops
were drawn up. The Howitzers fired the first
gun in Saturdays great fight - & continued to
fire & be fired at both close of  the engage-
ment – In consequence of their lofty position
they were not rushed over  by the enemy
at any period of the fight & strange to say
tho’ that as shell fell around them through-
out the fight one only was wounded
& he slightly.  Thank God for the preservation
of our sons & again for our most glorious
victory. Genl Lee modestly computes the loss of
the Federals in killed & wounded at 11,000.
Secretary Benjamin says ( I am told) that their
slain were 18,000.        Very Respectfully,   Gor. C. Stiles

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d